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Mirror reflects with centennial party

The stage is set for the Mirror and District Centennial Homecoming this weekend, with a multitude of events planned.
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Mirror and District Museum is expected to be one of the focal points during centennial celebrations this weekend. Events kick off on Friday and run through Sunday. The parade is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday.

The stage is set for the Mirror and District Centennial Homecoming this weekend, with a multitude of events planned.

“The celebration has been in the planning stages for three years,” said Claire Duncan, who recently took over as chairperson of the Mirror Centennial Committee after the passing of former chair Monica Holt.

The recently finished mural, eight-feet-high and 40-feetlong, on the east wall of the community hall is an addition the committee is proud to showcase at the homecoming. A dedication ceremony is planned for 3 p.m. Saturday.

The mural, depicting local railway and agricultural heritage, is the artistic work of the Bashaw Art Club.

“They have done such a wonderful job,” Duncan said.

“What makes the mural more special is that it was done by local artists,” said Marlene Neis, centennial committee treasurer.

Centennial activities kick off on Friday with registration from 1 to 9 p.m.; military display at the museum 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (and again on Sunday); and a welcome reception at the community hall from 7 to 9 p.m.

Pancake breakfasts from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Mirror Fire Hall will start off both Saturday and Sunday’s events.

Other events Saturday include: a parade on main street at 2 p.m.; a coffee reception hosted by the community’s active seniors at the Jolly Seniors’ Drop-in Centre; a wagon-wheel-making demo by the museum; a melt and pour demo at the foundry, which will produce centennial mementos; coffee and pie at the United Church; children’s activities at the playground beside the skatepark; a trapper’s tent and Métis dancing; and a walking tour of Mirror.

A dinner is slated for 5:30 p.m., and requires reservations in advance by phoning 403-788-2166. It will be followed by a dance at the community hall with the local entertainment of Hattrick, headed by John Carlyle.

There will also be open houses at the local rural schools of Ripley and George on Saturday.

On Sunday, Gadsby Lake School will mark its centennial with a luncheon from 1 to 4 p.m.

After the Sunday pancake breakfast, an interdenominational church service will take place at the community hall at 10 a.m.

Likely the oldest building in town is St. Monica’s Anglican Church, with records dating back to the 1890s. It’s a provincial historic site currently under restoration. At the centennial celebration, the bell of St. Monica’s will be rung 100 times.

“Although Mirror doesn’t have as many businesses as it once did, the ones we have are thriving,” Duncan said.

The centennial committee is looking forward to having many people “come home to Mirror,” as well as being joined by their neighbouring communities.

“We have a terrific community,” Duncan said.

“I hope everyone enjoys celebrating our centennial with us.”